Barcelona defender turned down Liverpool transfer

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti reportedly turned down the chance to join Liverpool during the winter transfer window.

The Reds moved to recruit two new centre-backs on deadline day following the season-ending injuries for Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Preston North End's Ben Davies and Schalke 04's Ozan Kabak have yet to make their debuts, but it appears that they were also keen on signing Umtiti from the Blaugrana.

According to The Athletic, the Premier League holders made contact with the Blaugrana over Umtiti, whose career has been hit with knee injuries since 2018.

While the Catalan giants were willing to negotiate a fee, it is reported that the Frenchman turned down the chance, having returned to contention for a starting role under Ronald Koeman.

The Blaugrana are currently facing major financial concerns and there is an uncertainty whether they can afford to keep Lionel Messi beyond the expiry of his contract in June.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's title defence may be over already after a 4-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday. They are currently 10 points behind the Cityzens for the top spot and have played a game more.